The Knight of the Golden Melice eBook

“I call thee to a danger which, possessed I
thy marvellous skill in languages, I myself would
meet. I will unbosom myself. The thought
of a conflict with the Taranteens distresses me.
It can result only in ruin to them and injury to the
budding prospects of our colony. Our interest
is peace. We want trade with the natives.
We want their confidence. Without the latter
there can be no trade, neither can we counteract the
plots of our enemies, nor find opportunity to introduce
the Gospel among them. The mysterious calamity
which befel the embassy hath sadly shaken my expectations;
but I am unwilling to abandon the field. What
means are in my power I will apply to restore a good
understanding. Moreover, I would be more fully
assured of the truth or falsehood of the reports that
there are Jesuits among the Taranteens. Where
is the man more competent to take upon himself this
important trust—­one which hath for its
object to prevent effusion of blood—­to
detect the traitorous plots of a wily and deadly foe,
and to advance the cause of unadulterated religion,
than thyself?”

The Knight bowed in acknowledgment of the compliment,
but said nothing.

“I seem to see the finger of God displayed,”
continued Winthrop. “For this very purpose
wert thou sent among us; yet, noble sir, notwithstanding
the importance of the object to be attained and the
honor to accrue to him who shall secure them for us,
let me not urge thee unreasonably. Seest thou
imminent danger in the enterprise, undertake it not.
I pray thee, without regarding aught that I have said,
to act according to thy better judgment.”

“It was through no apprehension of peril that
I was silent,” said the Knight. “Danger
and I have been too long acquainted to distrust one
another. I did but turn over in my mind the proper
means to accomplish your designs. I place myself
at your disposal, and am only rejoiced that (lamenting
the occasion) I can be employed in any manner to advance
a good work.”

“Heartily I thank thee, Sir Christopher, for
the cheerful tender of thy service, though it was
only what was to be expected from a man of thy chivalric
temper. I will take this thing into further consideration,
and will shortly acquaint thee with my conclusion.”

“And, meanwhile, I will prepare myself to fulfil
the wishes of your worship,” answered the Knight,
preparing to take leave.

“Commend me,” said Winthrop, “to
the friendly thoughts of Lady Geraldine, with sincerest
hopes that the peace which surpasseth understanding
may nestle into her heart to chase away her melancholy,
and may her steps be guided unto the true fold, where
only safety is to be found.”

“With many thanks,” returned the Knight,
“I seek my hermitage in the woods.”

CHAPTER XVII.

“A something light as air—­a
look—­
A word unkind, or wrongly
taken—­
Oh, love! that tempest never shook,
A breath, a touch like this,
hath shaken.”